Fab Friday Favs: Scents and Sensibility

I like things that smell good…but I have a love-hate relationship with fragrance.  It seems that I have a stronger sense of smell than many people, so I often smell smells at an amplified level…which can be a problem.   There’s a guy in my building who wears so much cologne that I can tell when he’s been in the elevator before me because the aroma is still there.  Ugh.  Loud smells give me a headache, so I am drawn to those that are what I would describe as “light and lovely.”  With that in mind, the theme of today’s Fab Friday Favorites is Scents/Sense.

 

Scents

Annick Goutal’s Petite Cherie

I rarely wear perfume, but I love scented body lotions.  First, they’re 2-for-1 because I get moisturizing and fragrance, but they also are often lighter in scent and longer-lasting.  Petite Cherie by is my favorite.   According to legend, Annick Goutal designed this fragrance for her daughter, and it is described as an “irresistible, sensual and seductive fragrance that is reminiscent of a young girl’s cheek that you want to lovingly kiss.”  I don’t know about the “young girl’s cheek” thing, but I do agree that it is sensual and seductive.  It smells a little bit like peaches to me and I always love wearing it because the scent is unique.  I’ve never come across anything else that smells like this.  I usually load up on it when I’m in Paris because that makes it more special, although it is sold in most department stores in the U.S.

 

Westin’s White Tea

My  home smells like a Westin hotel.  If you’ve stayed in a Westin in the past few years, you know that I’m talking about.  Westin Hotels has its own signature scent called White Tea and I love it.  I have the body wash, but the candle is my favorite.   According to them, it’s a “hand-poured, all-natural soy candle with hints of soothing white tea to elevate the senses.”  I don’t really know what white tea is supposed to smell like, but it does elevate my senses and it’s my favorite candle scent.  I’d describe it as light-and-lovely…and slightly sweet.  Now when I’m staying at a Westin, it’s even better because the smell reminds me of home!

 

Shock Therapy by Bliss

Bliss Spa has an amazing body wash called Shock Therapy.  I should say had, because I’m told it’s being discontinued…which I hate.  No worries, though; I loaded up on the stuff when I heard that.  This scent actually goes against my claim that I like fragrances that are “light and lovely” because this one is anything but.  It is powerful and seriously awakens the senses.  It’s described as “super-minty” but I would say it’s “super-minty to the 10th power.”  It tingles on my skin and the rush of mint is a hit that catapults me to a zone where I’m ready to face the day.  It’s just what I need when I’m moving a little slow.

 

Sense

There’s a new show on OWN (Oprah’s network), called Iyanla, Fix My Life.  Iyanla Vanzant is a life coach and she guides people on navigating the travails of everyday life.  She’s a real “live wire” and I sometimes find her larger-than-life personality a little grating…but she knows what she’s doing!  Iyanla is full of good old-fashioned common sense yet she delivers it in a way that’s all her own. She helps people “do the work” (her phrase) to sort out and deal with the issues in their messy lives and she does it in a way that nobody feels hurt or exploited.  I still don’t understand why so many people are willing to go on (inter)national TV and bear their souls and secrets, but I must say it is both interesting and educational to watch.

 

So, I ask “what are some of your favorite scents…and who do you think of when you think “good common sense”?